Pre-charging bit lines through charge-sharing

ABSTRACT

In one embodiment, a static random access memory (SRAM) device is provided. The SRAM device comprises a plurality of memory cells, a bit line coupled to a first set of the plurality of memory cells at data nodes, and a first voltage supply line coupled to a second set of the plurality of memory cells. The SRAM device further comprises a first switch for selectively coupling the first voltage supply line to a first voltage source to charge the first voltage supply line to a first voltage level and a second switch for selectively coupling the first voltage supply line to the bit line for pre-charging the bit line to a bit line voltage level that is less than the first voltage level.

BACKGROUND

The technology described in this patent document relates generally toSRAM devices and more particularly to bit line pre-charge circuitry andmethods of pre-charging a bit line in an SRAM device.

Static random access memory (SRAM) is commonly used in electronicdevices. SRAM cells have the advantageous feature of holding datawithout a need for refreshing. SRAM cells may include different numbersof transistors, and are often accordingly referred to by the number oftransistors, for example, six-transistor (6T) SRAM, eight-transistor(8T) SRAM, and the like. The transistors typically form a data latch forstoring a data bit. Additional transistors may be added to control theaccess to the transistors. SRAM cells are typically arranged as an arrayhaving rows and columns. Typically, each row of the SRAM cells isconnected to a word-line, which determines whether the current SRAM cellis selected or not. Each column of the SRAM cells is connected to a bitline (or a pair of bit lines), which is used for storing a data bit intoa selected SRAM cell or reading a stored data bit from the selected SRAMcell.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Aspects of the present disclosure are best understood from the followingdetailed description when read with the accompanying figures. It isnoted that, in accordance with the standard practice in the industry,various features are not drawn to scale. In fact, the dimensions of thevarious features may be arbitrarily increased or reduced for clarity ofdiscussion.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram depicting an example SRAM circuit, inaccordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram depicting an example SRAM memory cell, inaccordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 3 is a process flow chart illustrating an example method in an SRAMmemory circuit for accessing memory cells, in accordance with someembodiments.

FIG. 4 is a process flow chart illustrating another example method in anSRAM memory circuit for accessing memory cells, in accordance with someembodiments.

FIG. 5 is a process flow chart illustrating another example method in anSRAM memory circuit for accessing memory cells, in accordance with someembodiments.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an example SRAM containing a single memoryarray, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of an example SRAM having two memory arraysconfigured in a butterfly architecture, in accordance with someembodiments.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of another example SRAM having two memoryarrays configured in a flying BL array architecture, in accordance withsome embodiments.

FIG. 9 is a process flow chart illustrating an example method in an SRAMmemory device for accessing memory cells, in accordance with someembodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following disclosure provides many different embodiments, orexamples, for implementing different features of the provided subjectmatter. Specific examples of components and arrangements are describedbelow to simplify the present disclosure. These are, of course, merelyexamples and are not intended to be limiting. For example, the formationof a first feature over or on a second feature in the description thatfollows may include embodiments in which the first and second featuresare formed in direct contact, and may also include embodiments in whichadditional features may be formed between the first and second features,such that the first and second features may not be in direct contact. Inaddition, the present disclosure may repeat reference numerals and/orletters in the various examples. This repetition is for the purpose ofsimplicity and clarity and does not in itself dictate a relationshipbetween the various embodiments and/or configurations discussed.

Further, spatially relative terms, such as “beneath,” “below,” “lower,”“above,” “upper” and the like, may be used herein for ease ofdescription to describe one element or feature's relationship to anotherelement(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. The spatiallyrelative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of thedevice in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted inthe figures. The apparatus may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degreesor at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors usedherein may likewise be interpreted accordingly.

Described herein are techniques for reducing power consumption in SRAMdevices and chips incorporating SRAM circuitry. A substantial amount ofthe total active power dissipated by the SRAM occurs during charging ordischarging of bit lines (BLs) during read and write operations.Reducing BL power consumption therefore can result in reduced SRAMactive power consumption and consequently to reduced chip active powerconsumption.

Lower BL power consumption can be achieved by pre-charging BLs to a BLvoltage level (V_(BL)) less than the memory cell's high voltage level(V_(DD)). Pre-charging BLs to V_(BL)<V_(DD) also has the additionalbenefit of improved read static noise margin and can help improve SRAMV_(min). Creating a pre-charge voltage V_(BL)<V_(DD) can be challengingespecially for a wide range of macro sizes and aspect ratios. Describedherein is a charge sharing scheme to create a pre-charge voltage thatcan be constant with respect to macro sizes and aspect ratios.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an example SRAM circuit 10. The exampleSRAM circuit 10 includes a portion of a memory array 12 comprising aplurality of memory or bit cells 14. A high voltage supply line (VVDD)16 is coupled to each bit cell 16. A bit line (BL) 18 and a complementbit line (BLB) 20 are coupled respectively to a data node and complementdata node in each memory cell. The bit line and the complement bit linerespectively have a bit line capacitance represented by a bit linecapacitor C_(BL) 22 and complement bit line capacitor C_(BLB) 24. Thehigh voltage supply line (VVDD) 16 has a high voltage supply linecapacitance represented by a high voltage supply line capacitor C_(VVDD)26. A word line 28 is also coupled to each bit cell 14.

The example SRAM circuit 10 also includes a set of switches forselectively charging the bit line 18 and the complement bit line 20 to abit line voltage (V_(BL)) that is less than a high voltage level(V_(DD)) supplied by a high voltage source 30. Shown is a first switchS0, a second switch S1, and a third switch S2. The first switch S0 isoperable to selectively couple the the VVDD 16 to the high voltagesource 30 to store charge in C_(VVDD) 26 to charge VVDD 16 to V_(DD).The second switch S1 is operable to selectively couple the BL 18 to VVDD16 to allow charge stored in C_(VVDD) 26 to be shared with C_(BL) 22 tocharge the BL 18 to a bit line voltage level (V_(BL)) that is less thanV_(DD). When the charge stored in C_(VVDD) 26 is shared with C_(BL) 22,the VVDD 16 is partially discharged to a voltage level that is less thanV_(DD) and thus charges the BL 18 to a bit line voltage level (V_(BL))that is less than V_(DD). The third switch S2 is operable to selectivelycouple the BLB 20 to VVDD 16 (through S1 in this example) to allowcharge stored in C_(VVDD) 26 to be shared with C_(BLB) 24 to charge theBLB 20 to a complement bit line voltage level less than V_(DD). In otherexamples, the third switch S2 is may be coupled more directly to VVDD 16(e.g., not through S1) to allow charge stored in C_(VVDD) 26 to beshared with C_(BLB) 24 to charge the BLB 20 to a complement bit linevoltage level (V_(BLB)) that is less than V_(DD). In this example,V_(BL) is substantially equal to V_(BLB).

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram depicting an example SRAM memory cell 14.The example memory cell 14 depicted is known in the art as a 6T (sixtransistor) memory cell. While a 6T memory cell 14 is shown in thisexample, other types of memory cells such as an 8T, 10T or others may beused in other examples. The example memory cell 14 includes a highvoltage supply node 32 coupled to both cross-coupled inverters (34, 36),a data node 38 coupled between the output of one of the cross-coupledinverters (34) and a first pass device 40 driven by the word line 28,and a complement data node 42 coupled between the output of the othercross-coupled inverter (36) and a second pass device 44 driven by theword line 28. The BL 18 is coupled to the data node 38 through the firstpass device 40 and the BLB 20 is coupled to the complement data node 42through the second pass device 44. The high voltage supply line 16 iscoupled to the high voltage supply node 32.

FIG. 3 is a process flow chart illustrating an example method in an SRAMmemory circuit for accessing memory cells using, for example, theexample memory circuits depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2. In the examples ofFIGS. 1, 2, and 3, the high voltage supply line VVDD and the BL arecoupled to the same memory cells (or alternatively are each connected tosets of memory cells that overlap, i.e., some if not all of the memorycells to which high voltage supply line VVDD is coupled are the same assome if not all of the memory cells to which the BL is connected). Inthis example method, the BL is pre-charged to a V_(BL) that is less thanV_(DD) by charge sharing (operation 100). Stated differently, chargestored in C_(VVDD) is shared with C_(BL) to charge the BL to a bit linevoltage level V_(BL) that is less than V_(DD). After the BL is charged,the high voltage supply line VVDD is re-charged to V_(DD) (operation102). After the high voltage supply line VVDD is recharged to V_(DD), amemory access such as a read or write operation can be completed(operation 104). This method can result in reduced power consumption inthe SRAM due to operation using a lower pre-charge V_(BL). Whilepre-charging the BL is specifically illustrated, the BLB may also bepre-charged in a similar manner. The BLB may be pre-charged to a V_(BLB)that is less than V_(DD) by charge sharing (also during operation 100).

In an alternative mode of operation, the set of switches in the exampleSRAM circuit 10 may also be operated to selectively charge the bit line18 and the complement bit line 20 to a bit line voltage (V_(BL)) that issubstantially equal to the high voltage level (V_(DD)) supplied by thehigh voltage source 30. In this mode of operation, the first switch S0is always ON to couple the VVDD 16 to the high voltage source 30 tocharge VVDD 16 to V_(DD). The second switch S1 is operable toselectively couple the BL 18 to VVDD 16 to charge the BL 18 to a bitline voltage level (V_(BL)) that is substantially equal to V_(DD). Thethird switch S2 is operable to selectively couple the BLB 20 to VVDD 16(through S1 in this example) to charge the BLB 20 to a complement bitline voltage level substantially equal to V_(DD). In other examples, thethird switch S2 is may be coupled more directly to VVDD 16 (e.g., notthrough S1). In this example, V_(BL) is substantially equal to V_(BLB).This mode of operation allows memory accesses to occur afterpre-charging the BL and BLB without having to wait for VVDD to becharged back to V_(DD). This method however does not achieve reducedpower consumption in the SRAM as a result of operation using a lowerpre-charge V_(BL) and V_(BLB).

FIG. 4 is a process flow chart illustrating another example method in anSRAM memory circuit for accessing memory cells. In this example, a firstswitch is provided for selectively coupling the high voltage supply lineVVDD to a high voltage source to charge the high voltage supply lineVVDD to a high voltage level V_(DD) provided by the high voltage source(operation 110). A second switch is also provided for selectivelycoupling the high voltage supply line to the bit line for pre-chargingthe bit line BL to a bit line voltage level V_(BL) that is less than thehigh voltage level V_(DD) (operation 112). The switches are selectivelyoperated to charge C_(VVDD) from the high voltage source and to chargeC_(BL) by sharing charge from C_(VVDD) with C_(BL) (operation 114). Inaddition, a third switch may be provided for selectively coupling thehigh voltage supply line to the complement bit line for pre-charging thecomplement bit line BLB to a complement bit line voltage level V_(BLB)that is less than the high voltage level V_(DD) (operation 116).Additionally, a fourth switch may be provided for selectively couplingthe bit line to the complement bit line during pre-charging operationsso that the bit line voltage level V_(BL) is substantially equal to thecomplement bit line voltage level V_(BLB) (operation 118). When thethird and fourth switches are utilized, those switches are alsoselectively operated to charge C_(BLB) by sharing charge from C_(VVDD)with C_(BLB) (operation 114). This method can result in the bit line BLand the complement bit line BLB being charged, respectively, to a bitline voltage level V_(BL) and a complement bit line voltage levelV_(BLB) that is less than V_(DD) and also can result in reduced powerconsumption in the SRAM due to operation using a lower pre-charge bitline voltage level V_(BL) and complement bit line voltage level V_(BLB).

FIG. 5 is a process flow chart illustrating another example method in anSRAM memory circuit, such as the example circuit of FIG. 1, foraccessing memory cells. In a memory access cycle, the first switch S0 isclosed with the second switch S1 and the third switch S2 open (operation120). This allows the VVDD to be driven to V_(DD) while the bit lines(BL and BLB) are floating. Next, the first switch S0 is opened and thesecond and third switches (S1, S2) are closed (operation 122). Thiscauses the C_(VVDD) to share charge with the C_(BL) and C_(BLB) andallow the bit lines (BL and BLB) to be pre-charged to a voltage level(V_(BL), V_(BLB)) less than V_(DD). The voltage level (V_(BL), V_(BLB))is determined by the values of C_(VVDD), C_(BL) and C_(BLB). Then, thesecond and third switches (S1, S2) are opened and the first switch S0 isclosed (operation 124). Memory access can start or be delayed untilafter the VVDD is charged back to V_(DD) depending on the embodiment. Inembodiments where VVDD is coupled to the same memory cells as the BL andBLB, then access is delayed until after the VVDD is charged back toV_(DD). In embodiments where VVDD is not coupled to the same memorycells as the BL and BLB, then access may not have to be delayed untilafter the VVDD is charged back to V_(DD).

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an example SRAM 200 containing a singlememory array 202. The memory array 202 contains a plurality of bit cells204 organized in columns. Each column includes a VVDD 206, a BL 208, anda BLB 210 coupled to the bit cells in the column. The SRAM 200 alsoincludes input/output (I/O) circuitry 212 and sets of charge sharingswitches 214 for each column. Each set of charge sharing switches 214includes a first switch 216, a second switch 218, a third switch 220,and a fourth switch 222.

In this example, the first switch 216 is selectively operable to couplethe high voltage supply line VVDD 206 to a high voltage source to chargethe high voltage supply line VVDD 206 to a high voltage level V_(DD)supplied by the high voltage source. The second switch 218 isselectively operable to couple the high voltage supply line VVDD 206 tothe bit line BL 208 for pre-charging the bit line BL 208 to a bit linevoltage level V_(BL) that is less than the high voltage level V_(DD).The third switch 220 is selectively operable to couple the high voltagesupply line VVDD 206 to the complement bit line BLB 210 for pre-chargingthe complement bit line BLB 210 to a complement bit line voltage levelV_(BLB) that is less than the high voltage level V_(DD). The fourthswitch 222 is selectively operable to couple the bit line BL 208 to thecomplement bit line BLB 210 during pre-charging operations so that thebit line voltage level V_(BL) is substantially equal to the complementbit line voltage level V_(BLB). The switches are selectively operated tocharge the high voltage supply line VVDD 206 to V_(DD) and to charge thebit line voltage level V_(BL) and the complement bit line voltage levelV_(BLB) to a level lower than V_(DD). This architecture can result inreduced power consumption in the SRAM due to operation using a lowerpre-charge bit line voltage level V_(BL) and complement bit line voltagelevel V_(BLB). Because VVDD is coupled to the same memory cells as theBL and BLB, memory access will be delayed after pre-charging the BL andBLB until after the VVDD is charged back to V_(DD).

In an alternative mode of operation of the example SRAM 200 of FIG. 6,the set of switches may also be operated to selectively charge the bitline 208 and the complement bit line 210 to a bit line voltage (V_(BL))that is substantially equal to the high voltage level (V_(DD)) providedby the high voltage source. In this mode of operation, the first switch216 is always ON to couple the VVDD 206 to the high voltage source tocharge VVDD 206 to V_(DD). The second switch 218 is selectively operableto couple the high voltage supply line VVDD 206 to the bit line BL 208for pre-charging the bit line BL 208 to a bit line voltage level V_(BL)that is substantially equal to the high voltage level V_(DD). The thirdswitch 220 is selectively operable to couple the high voltage supplyline VVDD 206 to the complement bit line BLB 210 for pre-charging thecomplement bit line BLB 210 to a complement bit line voltage levelV_(BLB) that is substantially equal to the high voltage level V_(DD).The fourth switch 222 is selectively operable to couple the bit line BL208 to the complement bit line BLB 210 during pre-charging operations sothat the bit line voltage level V_(BL) is substantially equal to thecomplement bit line voltage level V_(BLB). This mode of operation allowsmemory accesses to occur after pre-charging the BL and BLB withouthaving to wait for VVDD to be charged back to V_(DD). This methodhowever does not achieve reduced power consumption in the SRAM as aresult of operation using a lower pre-charge V_(BL) and V_(BLB).

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of an example SRAM 300 having two memoryarrays 302, 303 configured in a butterfly architecture. The memoryarrays 302, 303 contain a plurality of bit cells 304 organized incolumns. Each column includes a VVDD (306, 307), a BL (308, 309), and aBLB (310, 311) coupled to the bit cells in the column. The SRAM 300 alsoincludes input/output (I/O) circuitry 312 and sets of charge sharingswitches (314, 315) for each column. Each set of charge sharing switches(314, 315) includes a first switch (316, 317), a second switch (318,319), a third switch (320, 321), and a fourth switch (322, 323).

In this example, the first switch (316, 317) is selectively operable tocouple the high voltage supply line VVDD (306, 307) to a high voltagesource to charge the high voltage supply line VVDD (306, 307) to a highvoltage level V_(DD) provided by the high voltage source. The secondswitch (318, 319) is selectively operable to couple the high voltagesupply line VVDD (306, 307) to the bit line BL (308, 309) forpre-charging the bit line BL (308, 309) to a bit line voltage levelV_(BL) that is less than the high voltage level V_(DD). The third switch(320, 321) is selectively operable to couple the high voltage supplyline VVDD (306, 307) to the complement bit line BLB (310, 311) forpre-charging the complement bit line BLB (310, 311) to a complement bitline voltage level V_(BLB) that is less than the high voltage levelV_(DD). The fourth switch (322, 323) is selectively operable to couplethe bit line BL (308, 309) to the complement bit line BLB (310, 311)during pre-charging operations so that the bit line voltage level V_(BL)is substantially equal to the complement bit line voltage level V_(BLB).The switches are selectively operated to charge the high voltage supplyline VVDD (306, 307) to V_(DD) and to charge the bit line voltage levelV_(BL) and the complement bit line voltage level V_(BLB) to a levellower than V_(DD). This architecture can result in reduced powerconsumption in the SRAM due to operation using a lower pre-charge bitline voltage level V_(BL) and complement bit line voltage level V_(BLB).

In this example VVDD from one array is not coupled to the same switchesas the BL and BLB from that memory array. For example, VVDD 307, BL 308and BLB 310 are coupled to one switch set 314 and VVDD 306, BL 309 andBLB 311 are coupled to another switch set 315. This allows memoryaccesses to occur after pre-charging the BL and BLB without having towait for VVDD to be charged back to V_(DD). That is because the BL andBLB for an accessed memory cell was not charged with the VVDD coupled tothat memory cell. This also allows WL activation and VVDD recoveryperiods to be overlapped.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of another example SRAM 400 having two memoryarrays 402, 403 configured in a flying BL array architecture. The memoryarrays 402, 403 contain a plurality of bit cells 404 organized incolumns. Each column includes a VVDD (406, 407), a BL (408, 409), and aBLB (410, 411) coupled to the bit cells in the column. The top array'sVVDD 406 and bit lines (408, 410) fly over the bottom array at a highermetal level. The SRAM 400 also includes input/output (I/O) circuitry 412and sets of charge sharing switches (414, 415) for each column. Each setof charge sharing switches (414, 415) includes a first switch (416,417), a second switch (418, 419), a third switch (420, 421), and afourth switch (422, 423).

In this example, the first switch (416, 417) is selectively operable tocouple the high voltage supply line VVDD (406, 407) to a high voltagesource to charge the high voltage supply line VVDD (406, 407) to a highvoltage level V_(DD) provided by the high voltage source. The secondswitch (418, 419) is selectively operable to couple the high voltagesupply line VVDD (406, 407) to the bit line BL (408, 409) forpre-charging the bit line BL (408, 409) to a bit line voltage levelV_(BL) that is less than the high voltage level V_(DD). The third switch(420, 421) is selectively operable to couple the high voltage supplyline VVDD (406, 407) to the complement bit line BLB (410, 411) forpre-charging the complement bit line BLB (410, 411) to a complement bitline voltage level V_(BLB) that is less than the high voltage levelV_(DD). The fourth switch (422, 423) is selectively operable to couplethe bit line BL (408, 409) to the complement bit line BLB (410, 411)during pre-charging operations so that the bit line voltage level V_(BL)is substantially equal to the complement bit line voltage level V_(BLB).The switches are selectively operated to charge the high voltage supplyline VVDD (406, 407) to V_(DD) and to charge the bit line voltage levelV_(BL) and the complement bit line voltage level V_(BLB) to a levellower than V_(DD). This architecture can result in reduced powerconsumption in the SRAM due to operation using a lower pre-charge bitline voltage level V_(BL) and complement bit line voltage level V_(BLB).

In this example, VVDD from one array is not coupled to the same switchesas the BL and BLB from that memory array. For example, VVDD 407, BL 408and BLB 410 are coupled to one switch set 414 and VVDD 406, BL 409 andBLB 411 are coupled to another switch set 415. This allows memoryaccesses to occur after pre-charging the BL and BLB without having towait for VVDD to be charged back to V_(DD). That is because the BL andBLB for an accessed memory cell was not charged with the VVDD coupled tothat memory cell. This also allows WL activation and VVDD recoveryperiods to be overlapped

FIG. 9 is a process flow chart illustrating an example method in an SRAMmemory device, such as the example memory devices of FIG. 7 or 8, foraccessing memory cells. The BL and BLB coupled to a memory cell to beaccessed are pre-charged, respectively, to a V_(BL) and V_(BLB) that areless than V_(DD) by charge sharing (operation 500). While the BL and BLBare being pre-charged, the high voltage supply line VVDD coupled to thememory cell to be accessed is charged to V_(DD) (operation 502). Thiscan occur because the VVDD coupled to the accessed memory cell is notused to charge the BL and BLB coupled to that memory cell. This allowsmemory accesses to occur after pre-charging the BL and BLB withouthaving to wait for VVDD to be charged back to V_(DD) (operation 504).This method can result in reduced power consumption in the SRAM due tooperation using a lower pre-charge V_(BL) and V_(BLB).

In an alternative mode of operation of the example memory devices ofFIG. 7 or 8, the set of switches may also be operated to selectivelycharge the bit line and the complement bit line to a bit line voltage(V_(BL)) that is substantially equal to the voltage level (V_(DD))provided by the high voltage source. In this mode of operation, thefirst switch is always ON to couple the VVDD to the high voltage sourceto charge VVDD to V_(DD). The second switch, third switch, and fourthswitch can be selectively operated to charge the bit line voltage levelV_(BL) and the complement bit line voltage level V_(BLB) to a voltagelevel substantially equal to V_(DD). This method however does notachieve reduced power consumption in the SRAM as a result of operationusing a lower pre-charge V_(BL) and V_(BLB).

The example methods and SRAM circuits and devices disclose hereinprovide for pre-charging bit lines through charge sharing with thearray's high voltage supply line capacitance. The bit line pre-chargevoltage can be set by the capacitive divider between the bit linecapacitance and the high voltage supply line capacitance. The techniqueis scalable to different macro depths/sizes since the bit linecapacitance and the high voltage supply line capacitance will alsoscale. Pre-charge switches may be inserted into an array's columncontrol circuit and timing control handles turning on/off for switches.This technique can be applied to multiple SRAM architectures such as asingle array, butterfly array and flying BL array architecture.

In one embodiment, a static random access memory (SRAM) device isprovided. The SRAM device comprises a plurality of memory cells, a bitline coupled to a first set of the plurality of memory cells at datanodes, and a first voltage supply line coupled to a second set of theplurality of memory cells. The SRAM device further comprises a firstswitch for selectively coupling the first voltage supply line to a firstvoltage source to charge the first voltage supply line to a firstvoltage level and a second switch for selectively coupling the firstvoltage supply line to the bit line for pre-charging the bit line to abit line voltage level that is less than the first voltage level.

These aspects and other embodiments may include one or more of thefollowing features. The bit line has capacitance (C_(BL)) and the firstvoltage supply line has capacitance (C_(VVDD)), and wherein the bit lineis pre-charged by stored charge being transferred from C_(VVDD) toC_(BL). The SRAM may have a complement bit line coupled to the first setof the plurality of memory cells at complement data nodes wherein theSRAM device has a differential bit line comprising the bit line and thecomplement bit line, and wherein the complement bit line has acomplement bit line capacitance (C_(BLB)) and the complement bit line ispre-charged by transferring stored charge from C_(VVDD) to C_(BLB). TheSRAM device may have a third switch for selectively coupling the firstvoltage supply line to the complement bit line for pre-charging thecomplement bit line to a complement bit line voltage level that is lessthan the first voltage level. The first switch may be positioned betweenthe first voltage source and the first voltage supply line, the secondswitch may be positioned between the first voltage supply line and thebit line, and the third switch may be positioned between the secondswitch and the complement bit line. The first switch may be positionedbetween the first voltage source and the first voltage supply line, thesecond switch may be positioned between the first voltage supply lineand the bit line, and the third switch may be positioned between thefirst voltage supply line and the complement bit line. The SRAM devicemay include a fourth switch that is positioned between the bit line andthe complement bit line for selectively pre-charging the bit line andthe complement bit line to the same voltage level. The second switch maybe adapted to selectively couple the first voltage supply line to thebit line to pre-charge the bit line to a bit line voltage level that issubstantially equal to the first voltage level when the first switch isON. The first set of memory cells may overlap with the second set ofmemory cells and the first voltage supply line may be configured to becharged to the first voltage level after the bit line is pre-charged tothe bit line voltage level. The first set of memory cells may notoverlap with the second set of memory cells and the first voltage supplyline may be configured to be charged to the first voltage levelconcurrently with the bit line being pre-charged to the bit line voltagelevel.

In another embodiment, a static random access memory (SRAM) device isprovided. The SRAM device comprises a plurality of memory cells, a firstbit line coupled to a first set of the plurality of memory cells, asecond bit line coupled to a second set of the plurality of memorycells, a first voltage supply line coupled to the first set of theplurality of memory cells, a second voltage supply line coupled to thesecond set of the plurality of memory cells, a first switch configuredto selectively couple the second voltage supply line to a first voltagesource to charge the second voltage supply line to a first voltagelevel, a second switch configured to selectively couple the firstvoltage supply line to the first voltage source to charge the firstvoltage supply line to the first voltage level, a third switchconfigured to selectively couple the second voltage supply line to thefirst bit line for pre-charging the first bit line to a first bit linevoltage level, and a fourth switch configured to selectively couple thefirst voltage supply line to the second bit line for pre-charging thesecond bit line to a second bit line voltage level.

These aspects and other embodiments may include one or more of thefollowing features. The first bit line voltage level may besubstantially equal to the second bit line voltage level and the firstand second bit line voltage levels may be less than the first voltagelevel. A first complement bit line may be coupled to the first set ofthe plurality of memory cells and a second complement bit line may becoupled to the second set of the plurality of memory cells. The thirdswitch may also be configured to selectively couple the second voltagesupply line to the first complement bit line for pre-charging the firstcomplement bit line to a first compliment bit line voltage level. Thefourth switch may be configured to selectively couple the first voltagesupply line to the second complement bit line for pre-charging thesecond complement bit line to a second compliment bit line voltagelevel. The first complement bit line voltage level may be substantiallyequal to the second complement bit line voltage level and the first andsecond complement bit line voltage levels may be less than the firstvoltage level.

In another embodiment, a method in a static random access memory (SRAM)device is provided. The method comprises coupling a first voltage supplyline to a first voltage source to charge the first voltage supply lineto a first voltage level, decoupling the first voltage supply line fromthe first voltage source, and coupling a bit line to the first voltagesupply line to charge the bit line to a voltage level less than thefirst voltage level. The method further comprises decoupling the bitline from the voltage supply line and accessing a memory cell coupled tothe bit line.

These aspects and other embodiments may include one or more of thefollowing features. The method may further include coupling the firstvoltage supply line to the first voltage source after decoupling the bitline from the voltage supply line to recharge the first voltage supplyline to the first voltage level. The first voltage supply line and thebit line may be coupled to different memory cells and the first voltagesupply line may be recharged during a memory access to a memory cell notcoupled to the bit line. The first voltage supply line and the bit linemay be coupled to overlapping sets of memory cells and the first voltagesupply line may be recharged before accessing the memory cell coupled tothe bit line.

In another embodiment, a method in a static random access memory (SRAM)device is provided. The method comprises providing a first switch forselectively coupling a first voltage supply line to a first voltagesource to charge the first voltage supply line to a first voltage level,providing a second switch for selectively coupling a bit line to thefirst voltage supply line to charge the bit line to a second voltagelevel that is lower than the first voltage level, and operating thefirst switch and the second switch to charge the bit line to the secondvoltage level.

These aspects and other embodiments may include one or more of thefollowing features. Operating the first switch and the second switch maycomprise charging the first voltage supply line to the first voltagelevel while the bit line is decoupled from the first voltage supplyline. Operating the first switch and the second switch may comprisecharging the bit line to the second voltage level by coupling the firstvoltage supply line to the bit line while the first voltage supply lineis decoupled from first voltage source. The method may further compriseoperating the first switch and the second switch to recharge the firstvoltage supply line to the first voltage level after operating the firstswitch and the second switch to charge the bit line to the secondvoltage level. The first voltage supply line and the bit line may becoupled to different memory cells and the first voltage supply line maybe recharged during a memory access to a memory cell not coupled to thebit line. The first voltage supply line and the bit line may be coupledto overlapping sets of memory cells and the first voltage supply linemay be recharged before a memory access to a memory cell coupled to thebit line. The method may further comprise coupling the bit line to thefirst voltage supply line when the first switch is ON to pre-charge thebit line to a second voltage level that is substantially equal to thefirst voltage level. The method may further comprise providing a thirdswitch for selectively coupling a complement bit line to the firstvoltage supply line to charge the complement bit line to the secondvoltage level.

The foregoing outlines features of several embodiments so that thoseskilled in the art may better understand the aspects of the presentdisclosure. Those skilled in the art should appreciate that they mayreadily use the present disclosure as a basis for designing or modifyingother processes and structures for carrying out the same purposes and/orachieving the same advantages of the embodiments introduced herein.Those skilled in the art should also realize that such equivalentconstructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the presentdisclosure, and that they may make various changes, substitutions, andalterations herein without departing from the spirit and scope of thepresent disclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. A static random access memory (SRAM) devicecomprising: a plurality of memory cells; a bit line coupled to a firstset of the plurality of memory cells at data nodes; a first voltagesupply line fixedly coupled to a second set of the plurality of memorycells; a first switch; a second switch; and control circuitry configuredto: switch the first switch from an open state to a closed state whenthe second switch is in an open state for selectively coupling the firstvoltage supply line to the first voltage source to charge the firstvoltage supply line to a first voltage level; switch the first switchfrom the closed state to the open state when the second switch is in theopen state for capacitively storing the charge at the first voltagelevel on the first voltage supply line; switch the second switch fromthe open state to the closed state when the first switch is in the openstate for selectively coupling the first voltage supply line to the bitline for pre-charging the bit line to a bit line voltage level that isless than the first voltage level; switch the second switch from theclosed state to the open state when the first switch is in the openstate for capacitively storing the pre-charge at the bit line voltagelevel on the bit line supply line; and switch the first switch from theopen state to the closed state when the second switch is in the closedstate and the pre-charge is capacitively stored at the bit line voltagelevel on the bit supply line for charging the first voltage supply lineback to the first voltage level for accessing the plurality of memorycells.
 2. The SRAM device of claim 1, wherein the bit line hascapacitance (C_(BL)) and the first voltage supply line has capacitance(C_(VVDD)) and wherein the bit line is pre-charged by stored chargebeing transferred from C_(VVDD) to C_(BL).
 3. The SRAM device of claim2, further comprising a complement bit line coupled to the first set ofthe plurality of memory cells at complement data nodes wherein the SRAMdevice has a differential bit line comprising the bit line and thecomplement bit line, and wherein the complement bit line has acomplement bit line capacitance (C_(BLB)) and the complement bit line ispre-charged by transferring stored charge from C_(VVDD) to C_(BLB). 4.The SRAM device of claim 3, further comprising a third switch, thecontrol circuitry being configured to switch the third switch from anopen state to a closed state when the first switch is in the open stateand the second switch is in the closed state for selectively couplingthe first voltage supply line to the complement bit line forpre-charging the complement bit line to a complement bit line voltagelevel that is less than the first voltage level, the control circuitrybeing configured to switch the third switch further from the closedstate to the open state for capacitively storing the complement bit linevoltage level on the complement bit line when the first switch is in theopen state and the second switch is in the closed state.
 5. The SRAMdevice of claim 4, wherein the first switch is positioned between thefirst voltage source and the first voltage supply line, the secondswitch is positioned between the first voltage supply line and the bitline, and the third switch is positioned between the second switch andthe complement bit line.
 6. The SRAM device of claim 4, wherein thefirst switch is positioned between the first voltage source and thefirst voltage supply line, the second switch is positioned between thefirst voltage source and the bit line, and the third switch ispositioned between the first voltage source and the complement bit line.7. The SRAM device of claim 6, further comprising a fourth switch thatis positioned between the bit line and the complement bit line, thecontrol circuitry being configured to switch the fourth switch from anopen state to a closed state for selectively pre-charging the bit lineand the complement bit line to the same voltage level as one anotherwhen the first switch is in the open state and the second and thirdswitches are each in the closed state.
 8. The SRAM device of claim 1,wherein the control circuitry further is configured to switch the secondswitch from the open state to the closed state to selectively couple thefirst voltage supply line to the bit line for pre-charging the bit lineto a bit line voltage level that is substantially equal to the firstvoltage level when the first switch is in the closed state.
 9. The SRAMdevice of claim 1, wherein the first set of memory cells does notoverlap with the second set of memory cells and wherein the firstvoltage supply line is configured to be charged concurrently with thebit line being pre-charged to the bit line voltage level.
 10. A staticrandom access memory (SRAM) device comprising: a plurality of memorycells; a first bit line coupled to a first set of the plurality ofmemory cells; a second bit line coupled to a second set of the pluralityof memory cells; a first voltage supply line fixedly coupled to thefirst set of the plurality of memory cells; a second voltage supply linefixedly coupled to the second set of the plurality of memory cells; afirst switch; a second switch; a third switch; a fourth switch; andcontrol circuitry configured to: switch the first switch from an OFFstate to an ON state when the third switch is in an OFF state toselectively couple the second voltage supply line to the first voltagesource to charge the second voltage supply line to a first voltagelevel; switch the second switch from an OFF state to an ON state whenthe fourth switch is in the OFF state to selectively couple the firstvoltage supply line to the first voltage source to charge the firstvoltage supply line to the first voltage level; switch the third switchfrom the OFF state to an ON state to selectively couple the secondvoltage supply line to the first bit line for pre-charging the first bitline to a first bit line voltage level when the first switch is in theOFF state; switch the fourth switch from the OFF state to an ON state toselectively couple the first voltage supply line to the second bit linefor pre-charging the second bit line to a second bit line voltage levelwhen the second switch is in the OFF state; switch the first switch fromthe OFF state to the ON state when the third switch is in the OFF stateafter the first bit line is pre-charged to first bit line voltage levelfor charging the second voltage supply line back to the first voltagelevel for accessing the second plurality of memory cells; and switch thesecond switch from the OFF state to the ON state when the fourth switchis in the OFF state after the second bit line is pre-charged to thesecond bit line voltage level for charging the first voltage supply lineback to the first voltage level for accessing the first plurality ofmemory cells.
 11. The SRAM device of claim 10, wherein the first bitline voltage level is substantially equal to the second bit line voltagelevel and wherein the first and second bit line voltage levels are lessthan the first voltage level.
 12. The SRAM device of claim 10, furthercomprising: a first complement bit line coupled to the first set of theplurality of memory cells and a second complement bit line coupled tothe second set of the plurality of memory cells, and wherein the controlcircuitry further is configured to: switch the third switch from the OFFstate to the ON state to selectively couple the second voltage supplyline to the first complement bit line for pre-charging the firstcomplement bit line to a first compliment bit line voltage level whenthe second switch is in the OFF state; and switch the fourth switch fromthe OFF state to the ON state to selectively couple the first voltagesupply line to the second complement bit line for pre-charging thesecond complement bit line to a second compliment bit line voltage levelwhen the first switch is in the ON state.
 13. The SRAM device of claim12, wherein the first complement bit line voltage level is substantiallyequal to the second complement bit line voltage level and wherein thefirst and second complement bit line voltage levels are less than thefirst voltage level.
 14. A method in a static random access memory(SRAM) device comprising: providing a first switch for selectivelycoupling a first voltage supply line to a first voltage source to chargethe first voltage supply line to a first voltage level, the firstvoltage supply line being fixedly coupled to a memory cell; providing asecond switch for selectively coupling a bit line to the first voltagesupply line to charge the bit line to a second voltage level that islower than the first voltage level when the first switch is off;operating the first switch from an OFF state to an ON state when thesecond switch is in an OFF state to charge the first voltage supply lineto the first voltage level; operating the first switch from the ON stateto the OFF state when the second switch is in the OFF state tocapacitively store the charge at the first voltage level on the firstvoltage supply line; operating the second switch from the OFF state toan ON state when the first switch is in the OFF state to charge the bitline to the second voltage level by transferring some of the charge onthe first voltage supply line to the bit line; operating the firstswitch from the ON state to the OFF state when the second switch is inthe OFF state to charge the first voltage supply line back to the firstvoltage level to access the memory cell.
 15. The method of claim 14wherein the operating the first switch from the OFF state to the ONstate so as to charge the first voltage supply line to the first voltagelevel is performed while the second switch is in the OFF state so thatthe bit line is decoupled from the first voltage supply line.
 16. Themethod of claim 15 wherein the operating the second switch from the OFFstate to the ON state comprises charging the bit line to the secondvoltage level by coupling the first voltage supply line to the bit linevia the second switch and is performed while the first switch is in theOFF state so that the first voltage supply line is decoupled from firstvoltage source.
 17. The method of claim 14 further comprising operatingthe first switch and the second switch to recharge the first voltagesupply line to the first voltage level after operating the first switchand the second switch to charge the bit line to the second voltagelevel.
 18. The method of claim 17 wherein the first voltage supply lineand the bit line are coupled to different memory cells and the firstvoltage supply line is recharged during a memory access to a memory cellnot coupled to the bit line.
 19. The method of claim 1 wherein thecontrol circuitry further is configured to switch the second switch fromthe OFF state to the ON state to couple the bit line to the firstvoltage supply line via the second switch when the first switch is ON topre-charge the bit line to a second voltage level that is substantiallyequal to the first voltage level.
 20. The method of claim 15 furthercomprising providing a third switch for selectively coupling acomplement bit line to the first voltage supply line to charge thecomplement bit line to the second voltage level.